Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

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Rainswept
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Joined: Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:32 pm

Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by Rainswept »

Ok so I didn't really get time to play today, but it's been a week since I found this server.

In the 6 days I got to play I noticed I received direct help or tips from players in at least five separate guilds ( RR, IO, CLAD, DD, and PWND ) as well as unaffiliated players, and partied successfully with people from still more groups.

I've had players give step by step directions how to get places, lead me to Job mobs, donate valuable (to me at least) items, explain rules and regulations, explain server specifics, and in one case, slaughter a room full of bosses alone just to get me a drop I needed (while I was busy on a semi-separate rescue mission), and raise me from the dead more times than I really care to count :P

Compared to all that, the one forgettable negative experience I had seems paltry and insignificant.

The server itself has some really impressive specific features. While I can't say I like every single one (My preferred build is Ranger/Assassin!) The sheer volume of options between the new races, the tweaked jobs, and the crafting system goes beyond impressive. I've been away from NWN for over 3 years, and I gotta say the changes that have been made in that time are pretty staggering when all added up.

I'd like to specifically encourage the developers to keep up the good work with the Jobs and quests. I had a great time hunting through the Underdark looking for a rogue drider to put down, and was thrilled to test my sneaking abilities by wandering into Skeeth to assassinate the heir to the dragon throne. Things like that enhance the game experience tremendously.

I'm also very impressed at how well the server implements underused skills. Locking doors to an area so that Open Lock is necessary? Hiding bosses and treasure behind doors so secret you need a crazy high search to locate them? Brilliant!

I decided I would include only the one thing I consider my strongest complaint, because I want to make it clear that my overall satisfaction with the server is very high. What I would really like to see is a map that's more than boxes. I understand the server is always growing (It would have to be, it's frigging HUGE) but it's terribly annoying as a new player to have to pick random players and beg for directions over and over. I try to make it a point to do what I can to be prepared, but I spent a ton of time trying to get from place to place and it was sometimes very complicated ( take the boat to the town, run to the other town, fly on the dragon, cross the desert, 3rd stairway on the right, wander into the forge, wander around waiting for a magic portal that sometimes appears, wander through the planes till you find another portal, and try not to get slaughtered because there are creatures in most every board along the way who will want you dead... all to find a shop that sells equipment you could have worn 9 levels ago. ) A map folks, a real one.

Anyway, I want to say that the people on the server here are great. Keep up helping new guys like you helped me, and the server will be here for a long time! I've made friends in almost every party I've been in from my first one at level 3 with Vortex [IO] to my latest one at level 30 with a very helpful Clerc/Monk from Pwnd who actually donated a Storm Kama to me after both of mine were disarmed into the walls of Skara tower. Vastly, Loli, and Grovel have each helped me a ton, Ferret from DD has given me so much advice I'm sure he hates to hear my name by now, Almost every member of IO has treated me like one of their own, and the Reavers are responsible for damn near 1/3rd of my levels, not to mention Tru3-Fals3 taking it upon his/herself to solo a temple full of baddies to get me a Kama. I might even consider joining them, except I look awful in a beard. Even the one player whom I didn't appreciate in-game made a point of answering a question for me on the forums, and that didn't go unnoticed.

Anyway I've said enough, I think. Sorry if I forgot any names, I'm bad with names :mrgreen: .
Chernobyl_Glow wrote:the players in AO/RK are evil two headed trolls in real life who kick their dogs and speed through school zones
Shamedmonkey wrote:I can feel myself get stupider.

--Ashe--
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by --Ashe-- »

If you check the wiki, there are some great maps that I used when I was just starting out as well. Definitely helps you get around when you know where things are. Best general map is:

http://img146.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... ficiz4.jpg
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Rainswept
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by Rainswept »

I've seen that map. Are you telling me you can use that thing to find places like what I describe in my example?

The three places I have spent the most time (the Underdark, Skara, and The Ice Giant Caves) aren't even mentioned that I can see, not to mention it's all just boxes with no information.
Chernobyl_Glow wrote:the players in AO/RK are evil two headed trolls in real life who kick their dogs and speed through school zones
Shamedmonkey wrote:I can feel myself get stupider.

Alkapwn
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Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2006 7:59 pm

Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by Alkapwn »

IMO. Part of the fun is exploring and learning the areas.
I've been playing here 3+ years now and just 2 months ago stumbled upon an area that has always been there but i'd never been in it. I think having a detailed map that anyone can just jump on the server and go right to interesting areas defeats the purpose. They're alot of nooks and crannies and real dusty areas that hardly anyone travels.
My suggestion is play different factions and do the jobs (except for AO's broken jobs) . They let you get a good feel for the local area and get you into some interesting places. I think Lokey told me there is 800+ areas. Thats alot :)
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LinuxPup
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by LinuxPup »

If people do update the maps on the wiki (or elsewhere), I just ask that you don't include hidden areas... just as a personal favor. I added a few hidden shortcuts and bosses that I'd like to remain undocumented.
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VagaStorm
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by VagaStorm »

Alkapwn wrote:IMO. Part of the fun is exploring and learning the areas.
I've been playing here 3+ years now and just 2 months ago stumbled upon an area that has always been there but i'd never been in it. I think having a detailed map that anyone can just jump on the server and go right to interesting areas defeats the purpose. They're alot of nooks and crannies and real dusty areas that hardly anyone travels.
My suggestion is play different factions and do the jobs (except for AO's broken jobs) . They let you get a good feel for the local area and get you into some interesting places. I think Lokey told me there is 800+ areas. Thats alot :)
I think a slightly more detailed version of this: http://www.nsrealm.com/ns4wiki/index.php/Aetheria_Map would be nice, no detailed go there and there, but a general hand drawn roadmap in the old style. Updated with key locations.
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VagaStorm
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Rainswept
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by Rainswept »

Alkapwn wrote:IMO. Part of the fun is exploring and learning the areas.
I've been playing here 3+ years now and just 2 months ago stumbled upon an area that has always been there but i'd never been in it.
I agree, and I also agree that truly hidden areas should be left off. However, I don't think having a map would in any way lessen the fun of exploration for most people. Knowing how to get to Skara would certainly not have affected the fun of the battles or the sense of exploration of visiting a place for the first time. A really good example is that on my 1st day I started a character I abandoned because it was a Ranger/Assassin build, but I spent my 1st few hours on the server in AO. Now when I was later a 15-20th level from SL and I went back to Sleeth on a job, believe me when I tell you it was a very different place. All the big dragonmen with flaming swords used to be an annoyance who would steal my kills on rats, but now they were imposing guards who wanted nothing more than to surround me and slaughter me with those swords. And the very helpful dragons themselves were now fearsome obstacles to be avoided at all costs.
Chernobyl_Glow wrote:the players in AO/RK are evil two headed trolls in real life who kick their dogs and speed through school zones
Shamedmonkey wrote:I can feel myself get stupider.

Gornickthy
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Re: Thanks and observations from a new(b) player.

Post by Gornickthy »

Rainswept wrote:(My preferred build is Ranger/Assassin!)
We tried and tried and tried. The powers that be are to scarred to allow this to happen. :wink: We even double dog dared them. :mrgreen:
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